The Secret Kingdom of North Northumberland

Open the door into the kingdom of north Northumberland, which sweeps from the tops of the Cheviot, down hidden river valleys to the sea, where Holy Island and the Farne Islands wait to reveal their secrets to those who prefer to explore ‘the road less travelled’. Here you can find a landscape rich in beauty and tranquillity, filled with castles and fortresses, houses and gardens, all laden with history. Discover a diversity of wildlife second to none, find places to stay offering the warmest of welcomes, and enjoy food and culture to draw you back time and again.

The area boasts accommodation and food which is the best in the country and has awards to prove it, be it camping, glamping, B&B, luxury hotel, farm house or self-catering cottage, and will provide the perfect base for exploring the kingdom. There are many iconic locations to visit - such as Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Berwick’s Elizabethan Walls and Royal Border Bridge, the whole of the Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There are also many well-kept secrets waiting for you to discover, some of which Robson Green let slip in his TV series ‘Tales from Northumberland’.

The ancient remains of the Cheviot volcano provide rugged terrain to explore - and with the long distance walks and cycle routes of St Cuthbert’s Way, St Oswalds Way, the Hill Fort Trail, the Northumberland Coast Path and the Sandstone Way, this is a perfect outdoors and adventure destination. To this add its perfect tranquillity, the pixie dust of the dark skies, and wildlife - including red squirrels, otters, grey seals, whales, dolphins and the richest birdlife in the country (including our famous puffins!) And if this is too tame then you can enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, wind boarding, coasteering, abseiling or riding in the most glorious coast and country settings imaginable.

From the iron age hills forts of the Cheviot, the Anglo Saxon settlement of ad Geffrin, through Flodden Field and Halidon Hill, a host of medieval castles to beautiful Georgian stately homes such as Paxton House, the kingdom is rich with heritage to explore.

An artistic and spiritual culture of spice and depth has responded to all this - with internationally recognised painters, potters, poets and musicians living and creating within the realm of North Northumberland.

Officially ‘England’s most tranquil place’, with miles and miles of the best beaches and the best castles in the world – perfect for families! In fact, for anyone who wants to get away and discover something very special.

Come and visit, come and stay. Come and see. These pages provide you with the keys to the doors and maps for the pathways, to find your way into the Secret Kingdom and explore its treasures.